Meandering main pancreatic duct syndrome: a single-center cohort study and aggregated review

Abstract

Background Meandering main pancreatic duct (MMPD) refers to an uncommon ductal variant of the normal smooth curvilinear course of the pancreatic duct. More specifically, MMPD is characterized by a hairpin (reverse Z-type) or loop (loop-type) turn in the pancreatic head. It has been suggested as a predisposing factor for the development of pancreatitis. Studies regarding treatment are scarce.

Methods We conducted a narrative review of the current literature regarding MMPD. Additionally, we present a cohort of 9 symptomatic patients treated endoscopically at our tertiary center.

Results Seven retrospective cohort studies and 4 case reports were included in our review. Only 1 study focuses on the clinical significance of MMPD and describes a positive association between MMPD and the onset of pancreatitis, especially recurrent acute pancreatitis. Only 1 case reports an endoscopic treatment. In our cohort of 9 MMPD patients, 7 did indeed present with recurrent acute pancreatitis. Endotherapy provided substantial regression of symptoms in 6 patients, all of whom had signs of ductal hypertension.

Conclusions Our review shows the scarcity of data regarding MMPD, especially concerning treatment, in the current literature. With our cohort, we not only hope to raise awareness of this often-neglected entity of recurrent acute pancreatitis, but also support the case for endotherapy for the first time in 9 symptomatic MMPD patients, especially in the presence of ductal hypertension.

Keywords Meandering main pancreatic duct, anatomic anomaly, acute recurrent pancreatitis, ductal hypertension, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Ann Gastroenterol 2024; 37 (5): 610-617